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President Trump applauded the NFL's new policy on the national anthem, saying he believes the American public pushed the issue forward. He suggested that players who don't stand maybe shouldn't be in the country.

On 'Fox & Friends,' President Donald Trump suggested that players who don't stand for the national anthem might not belong in the country.
USA TODAY

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for a trip to New York to discuss immigration policy, Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) ORG XMIT: MDEV137(Photo: Evan Vucci, AP)

"You have to stand proudly for the national anthem," Trump said in an interview on Fox & Friends. "The NFL owners did the right thing."

Players who don't stand, the president said, maybe shouldn't be allowed to play and "maybe you shouldn't be in the country."

Wednesday, the National Football League approved a revised conduct policy that requires players on the field to stand for the national anthem. It allows players who do not wish to stand to remain in the locker room.

The policy allows individual teams to fine players who do not adhere to the requirements.

"You have to stand proudly for the National Anthem. You shouldn't be playing, you shouldn't be there. Maybe they shouldn't be in the country...the NFL owners did the right thing" -President @realDonaldTrumppic.twitter.com/bt36t4EX5u

At least 24 players kneeling this weekend at NFL stadiums that are now having a very hard time filling up. The American public is fed up with the disrespect the NFL is paying to our Country, our Flag and our National Anthem. Weak and out of control!

Trump made the issue a cause célèbre last year as some NFL players took a knee during the anthem to protest violent interactions between police and African Americans. In September, Trump called on fans to boycott games over the controversy.